The Warrior's Heart

Sermon Notes & Group Questions

Warrior – Someone who is passionately seeking after the heart of God so that they may be used for His purposes and His glory.

What does a Warrior’s Heart Look Like?

• From the World’s Perspective…

• He was formidable military leader

• He was a fierce competitor

•He was a statesman

• He was a poet

• He was a musician

• He was physically attractive

From God’s Perspective:

“The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people...” – 1 Samuel 13:14

Four Things That Made David a Man after God’s Own Heart:

1. Reckless abandon to God.

Psalm 9:1 (NLT) – “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.”

Psalm 138:1-2 (NIV) – I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.”

2. Deep communion with God

Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)

Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (NSAB)

Psalm 1:3 - They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Threats to our Communion with God:

• Impatience

• Noise

• Busyness

• Complacency

3. Genuine humility

1 Samuel 18:18 – “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” David exclaimed. “My father’s family is nothing!”

1 Samuel 18:23 – “When Saul’s men said these things to David, he replied, “How can a poor man from a humble family afford the bride price for the daughter of a king?”

4. Stubborn love

Psalm 78:72 – “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

Psalm 23:6 – “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

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Group Questions:

Q1: In this series we are defining a Warrior as “Someone who is passionately seeking after the heart of God so that they may be used for His purposes and His glory.” Is this how you would define a true warrior? Has that changed throughout this series?

Read 1 Samuel 13:14, Psalm 9:1, Psalm 138:1-2

Q2: Spiritual warriors live their lives with reckless abandon toward God. What do you think is the number one thing that keeps people from pursuing God with all their heart?

Read Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 23:1, Psalm 1:3

Q3: Which of these things is the greatest detriment to your communion with God- impatience, distractions, busyness or complacency? Why do you think that area is a challenge for you?

Read 1 Samuel 18:13, 23

Q4: How do you think humility in our lives reflects the nature of God?

Read Psalm 78:72, Psalm 23:6

Q5: Leading with integrity is an uncommon thing these days. Why do you think dwelling in the presence of God (quiet times, prayer, study, etc) builds integrity?